Korean J Nephrol.  2009 May;28(3):227-229.

Sulodexide-induced Hyperkalemia: A Case Report

• Park II
• Choi MJ
• Yoon JW
• Lee YK
• Kim SG
• Oh JE
• Seo JW
• Kim HJ
• Noh JW
• Koo JR

Abstract

Sulodexide is composed of two glycosaminoglycans (fast-moving heparin 80%, dermatan sulfate 20%) that are capable of preventing diabetic nephropathy by correcting abnormal glycosaminoglycan metabolism. Considering heparin-like propertyof sulodexide, side effect profiles of sulodexide are expected to be similar with those of heparin. Among those side effects, we remarked on heparin-induced hyperkalemia and hereby report a case of severe hyperkalemia during the use of sulodexide. A 52-year-old man with diabetic nephroapthy and hypertension was admitted to our hospital because of severe hyperkalemia up to 7.5 meq/L. His clinical condition was stable and medications including losartan and furosemide had not been changed for last 6 months except the addition of sulodexide, which was started 30 days prior to admission. Despite intensive use of Kayexalate and immediate discontinuation of losartan, hyperkalemia aggravated up to 8.0 meq/L. After recognition of possible sulodexide-induced hyperkalemia, sulodexide was discontinued, which resulted in rapid correction of hyperkalemia. In view of the above discussed clinical consideration, we suspect sulodexide as a major cause of hyperkalmia and report this case with a review of literature.

Keyword

Sulodexide; Hyperkalemia; Diabetic nephropathy

MeSH Terms

Dermatan Sulfate
Diabetic Nephropathies
Furosemide
Glycosaminoglycans
Heparin
Humans
Hyperkalemia
Hypertension
Losartan
Middle Aged
Polystyrenes
Dermatan Sulfate
Furosemide
Glycosaminoglycans
Heparin
Losartan
Polystyrenes